Ukraine: What Next?

For those who have been following the events in Ukraine, the reasons for Russia’s intervention are pretty clear, but they also point to what is likely to occur in the future.

Russia has always seen Ukraine as part of Russia. Henry Kissinger wrote an op-ed for the Washington Post: “Russian history began in what was called Kievan-Rus. The Russian religion spread from there. Ukraine has been part of Russia for centuries, and their histories were intertwined before then. Some of the most important battles for Russian freedom, starting with the Battle of Poltava in 1709, were fought on Ukrainian soil.” This doesn’t excuse Russian action, but it is important in understanding them.

About the Author

served over 20 years as an Infantry officer in Europe, the Middle East, Korea and Latin America. He has extensive experience in both light Infantry and mechanized warfare to include combat. He was selected to serve as a TAC at West Point and his final assignment was to the Infantry’s Battle Lab conducting research on tomorrow’s Infantry force. He concentrated in National Security at West Point, holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling & Leadership Development and is a graduate of the Combined Arms General Staff College. Born and raised in a tough section of New York City, Will lost his accent in the Army but kept the attitude. Read more from Will at http://gruntsandco.com/

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SEAL76

This is a European Problem. Let them figure it out. If they are unable or unwilling to deal with it what is the alternative. Oh yeah wait for the USA to bail them out. With BHO as the COOTUS (Community Organizer Of The United States) that isn't going to happen. Even it did what kind of ROE would our troops be dealing with. If we can't bomb and shot ala' WW2 we shouldn't go period. We have to win a war by making the enemy quit because they are all dead or surrender. Otherwise we don't have a victory.

YankeePapa

majrod,
.
The following quote is the words of Fox News contributor Charles Krauthammer, on the Fox News show Special Report with Bret Baier, on March 4, 2014.
AND NOW, A WORD FROM CHARLES…
“That’s not a blink. That’s a KGB agent lying through his teeth, which
is what they train to do for all of their lives. I mean, when Hitler
went into the Sudetenland, he claimed it was in response to a desire on
the part of the population. This is what all dictators do. The idea that
somehow it’s a blink, because he’s waiting to see if he wants to take
the rest of Ukraine, and that’s a sign of weakness? I think it’s
delusional.” – Charles Krauthammer, on “Special Report with Bret Baier”
You can read the full text of the “Special Report” show at http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/03/05/from-reset-button-to-nazi-talk-hillary-hawk-returns/
.
-YP-

ArcticWarrior

majrod Looks like a classic Russian set up for a smash and dash into Ukraine.
BTW China throwing weight around - "The United States on Wednesday accused China of raising tensions by blocking two Philippines vessels as it urged freedom of navigation in the tense South China Sea.
The United States, a treaty-bound ally of Manila, said it was "troubled" by Sunday's incident in which China prevented movement of two ships contracted by the Philippine navy to deliver supplies and troops to the disputed Second Thomas Shoal"

majrod

NYT http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/14/world/europe/ukraine.html today that Russia massing troops again on Ukraine border.
Selected excerpts...
"In Moscow, the military acknowledged significant operations involving
armored and airborne troops in the Belgorod, Kursk and Rostov regions
abutting eastern Ukraine, where many ethnic Russians have protested
against the new interim government in Ukraine’s capital, Kiev, and
appealed to Moscow for protection.
On Wednesday, the head of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense
Council, Andriy Parubiy, claimed that Russian forces near the border
totaled more than 80,000 solders, 270 tanks, 370 artillery systems and
140 combat aircraft.
Aleksandr
Golts, an author and military analyst, noted that the operations were
not training exercises like the huge one Mr. Putin ordered at the end of
February that require notification of neighboring states under a series
of conventional arms agreements.
He
added that the operations were clearly intended as a warning of
Russia’s readiness to intervene, if necessary, noting that the parachute
drop was on a scale not seen since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
They also served to tie down Ukraine’s beleaguered military and prevent
any effort to challenge the secession of Crimea.
“The
goal is very clear: not to permit Ukrainian troops from moving toward
Crimea,” he said. He later met with his national security council in
Sochi."
A referendum is scheduled in Crimea this weekend (moved up two weeks). It offers two choices, a separate Crimea or joining Russia. Waiting on a statement from the administration regarding the latest news...

Fred82

majrod Fred82 YankeePapa I would say that both parties promote international law etc., though I would agree that one promotes it more than the other.
That said, it must be remembered that many of the current politicians came of age in the same era (1960s) while both Democrats and Republicans are products of the same educational system.
There also seems to be a shrinking number of politicians who have ever served in combat or even uniform.